Actor Johnny Depp and his wife Amber Heard offered a video apology to Australia for smuggling their two dogs—a violation of quarantine rules—into the country last year.
Heard appeared in Southport Magistrates Court in Queensland on April 18, where she pleaded guilty to charges that she knowingly provided falsified documents regarding her two Yorkshire terriers (Pistol and Boo), when she arrived on the Gold Coast.
Heard was in the country to visit actor husband Depp, who was filming the fifth installment of “Pirates of the Caribbean.”
Prosecutors dropped the serious charge of illegally importing dogs into the country, which carries a jail sentence of two years and a fine of $15,350.
In the released video, Depp and Heard look stilted and glum, and not very contrite. Heard sat beside her husband and praised the beauty of Australia.
“Australia is a wonderful island with a treasure trove of unique plants, animals and people,” said Heard. “Australia is free of many pests and diseases that are commonplace around the world. That is why Australia has to have such strong biosecurity laws.”
Depp added that the people of Australia are “just as unique—both warm and direct.”
Actress Heard continued: “I am truly sorry that Pistol and Boo were not declared. Protecting Australia is important.”
Depp offered advice for those who plan to visit Australia: “Declare everything when you enter Australia.”
Heard can have her record cleared if she remains out of trouble.
